Subscribe to Femina.in, India's fastest growing women's website

Femina has been capturing the essence of the Indian woman for 58 years now, and has evolved with her over the years bringing the world to her doorstep. And now, here's your chance to get the dope on everything--from celebrities and fashion, beauty and wellness, to lifestyle and relationships--delivered directly to your inbox. Plus expert tips, polls, contests and other interactive articles and a whole lot more!

In conversation with mentalist Lior Suchard

A ‘mentalist’ who has read the minds of practically everyone, from former President Clinton to Uri Geller, and in India from the Bachchans to the Ambanis, he often jokes, “You think, therefore I am!,” HELLO! chats with the man who generated some unforgettable celebrity interactions at our HELLO! Hall of Fame

In what way might this have scared the people who were around you day-to-day? (Your family?)

“I think it was a bit scary only in the beginning; this thing about a boy who can influence thoughts and move objects with his mind. But when everybody saw I’m doing everything for positive ends only, they had nothing to fear!”

How easy is it for you to date someone, given you can get to know someone without needing to ask much?“When I am on a date I try to “shut” myself off and be an ordinary person. It’s important because I want my date to know me as myself, as Lior and not the mentalist.”

How do you energise your mind so it stays at peak performance?“Practice, practice, practice and constant creativity. Every show is different and I change my acts all the time.”

What do you feel is the true purpose of this gift... (i.e. other than making you a much-in-demand live act)?“I always try to teach people how to think positive and believe in themselves. Albert Einstein said, there are two ways to live life – that nothing is a miracle or that everything is a miracle. I choose the second option and I really believe that when we think, the universe listens… so we might as well think positive.”

Can you share one occasion when your gift REALLY helped someone?“I helped blind children and children suffering from cancer to energise them with specific acts. You can imagine that such a process requires a lot of mental strength.”

What is the difference between normal intuition and mind-reading?“Mind reading is actually the art of reading thoughts. It also includes the ability to plant thoughts in their mind. Which basically means, one can make people say what one wishes them to say! Intuition, however, is instinct which is also informed by people’s body language.”

Can normal people like us ever tap into the powers of the mind like you?“Normal people can develop their mental strength by focus, by adopting my pendulum act, which will then energise them.”

Given how many people are suspected terrorists languishing in jails... do you think as a mentalist you can truly see the true character of a person?“We had the experience here in Mumbai where the host at one of the weddings where I performed at the NCPA requested my assistance to detect who among three executives were giving out secrets of his company. After interviewing each executive over a two hour session, I was able to point out the person who was the culprit. I was proved correct. From that perspective, I am often called in to interview candidates for top executive positions to verify their bio and ensure there are no hidden agendas.”

How do you respond to the phrase, ‘Everything is Mind over Matter’?“The mind is a key factor to control one’s life and it is not difficult to develop the mind, which can overcome all vicissitudes of life.”